John Munson/The Star-LedgerAssemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) has introduced a measure that would decriminalize marijuana possession.

The proposal to eliminate potential jail time and decrease fines for those caught with small amounts of marijuana is long overdue and a welcomed dose of common sense from Trenton legislators.

Before refer madness takes hold for those prone to panic over anything marijuana related --- mellow out for a moment.

It is important to remember that decriminalizing marijuana does not equal legalizing marijuana. Possession of marijuana would still be illegal for those who lack a physician’s approval under New Jersey’s yet-to-be enacted medical marijuana law. The punishment, however, would more appropriately fit the crime.

The bill introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) would treat possession of marijuana more like a traffic ticket for those caught with less than 15 grams. A first offense would cost $150, a second offense $200 and a third offense $500. Those caught with marijuana under the age of 21 or adults who log three offenses would be subject to drug awareness programs.

Currently, those caught with small amounts of marijuana face up to six months and jail and a $1,000 fine.

Gusciora’s bill, which has already gained 18 co-sponsors including 15 Democrats and three Republicans, is scheduled for a hearing Monday in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

“There are so many consequences for people who have a drug conviction,” Roseanne Scotti, state director for the Drug Policy Alliance told The Star-Ledger’s Matt Friedman. “You have a drug crime on your record. It can affect your student loans, your employment in addition to the public stigma that goes with being dragged into court on a charge like this.”

A Rutgers-Eagleton poll in November showed 58 percent of New Jerseyans agree that marijuana possession penalties should be reduced. Fourteen states including New York and Connecticut have already decriminalized marijuana.

The current punishments are onerous and waste valuable court resources better spent on serious crimes that threaten public safety. Gov. Chris Christie has already shown compassion in his efforts to get nonviolent drug offenders out of prison and into treatment. Efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana possession offenses would be the next logical step.